Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh has paid tribute to local sporting talent during the 2025 Sports Awards supported by Drayne’s Farm. The annual event took place on Friday 14 November at a prestigious ceremony at La Mon Hotel and Country Club.
The event shone a spotlight on inspirational young people with an interview from special guest CBBC and multi-talented star Cara Mailey.
Broadcaster, Lynette Fay hosted the evening and helped showcase the amazing achievements and motivational stories behind each award winner.
Athlete, Sean Lavery was named Senior Sports Personality of the Year. Sean represented Northern Ireland at the World Transplant Games in Dresden, competing in the male donor 40–49-year category. His exceptional performance secured him an astonishing five medals in the 5K road race, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, long jump and 100m sprint. Gymnast Mollie Magennis was awarded second while James Nicholson from Carryduff Taekwondo Club collected third place.
Junior Sports Personality of the Year was won by boxer, Paige Nickels. Paige achieved historic success, becoming the first female from Northern Ireland to win both the UK National title and Irish National title simultaneously. Her exceptional season included 11 gold medals and one silver medal across several international competitions. Tennis player, Charlie McVeigh was placed second and athlete, Ben Sykes third.
Swimmer, Siomha Brady achieved Disability Sports Personality of the Year. Siomha represented Ireland at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, competing in the S7/SM classification. Over 600 athletes from more than 60 nations took part in the Championships, with Siomha finishing an impressive sixth place across her three events. Second place was won by European Tour golfer Mark Clougherty with Boccia player Jayne Milligan picking up third place.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Alderman Amanda Grehan said, “The Sports Awards is a true celebration of the outstanding sporting talent we have in Lisburn & Castlereagh.
It has been fantastic to see so many sports represented which highlights the diversity of sport within our council area and the opportunity for the community to try a new activity. I was personally delighted to see award categories for Disability Sports Team and Sports Personality with a Disability, which champions my mayoral theme of inclusivity – a city that sees everyone.
“I would also like to thank our special guest Cara Mailey and I know her story of balancing successful interests and activities while faced with a number of challenges will provide great motivation to many of our young people.”
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee added “The Sports Award is an opportunity to celebrate the sporting success of individuals, teams and coaches in Lisburn & Castlereagh. There is a huge amount of talent on our doorstep with many World, Commonwealth, European and National medallists who continue to make us immensely proud.
“The Council also encourages people to take up sport recreationally by delivering programmes to help those wishing to progress in a specific sport or just take part for the fun and enjoyment.
“I would like to congratulate all the award winners for their achievements and to everyone behind the scenes for their commitment to sport. I would like to thank Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh for their continued partnership with the Council and also local company, Drayne’s Farm, for generously supporting the event and acknowledging the important role sport plays in our area.”
Carryduff Colts Inclusion Football Team proudly collected Disability Sports Team of the Year. The team participated in the IFA Junior Disability Cup and LCCC Mayor’s Inclusion Cup, while focusing on the self-esteem of players. Second place was jointly awarded to Lisburn 2gether Special Olympics Club Swimming and Bowling Teams.
Sports Club of the Year was won by St Patrick’s Lisburn GAC with Lisburn Taekwondo Club taking second place and Hillsborough Boys’ Junior Football Club third. Senior Sports Team of the Year was awarded to Lisburn Rugby Club Women’s 1st XV while Crewe United Senior Men’s Football Team collected second place and Hillsborough Walking Football Team third.
Lisburn Cricket Club U13 Boys’ Team picked up Junior Sports Club Team of the Year and Lisburn City Archery Club Junior Team was presented with second place and St Joseph’s Glenavy GAC U14 Girls’ Gaelic Football Team third place. The School Sports Team of the Year was won by Wallace High School Boys’ 1st XV Rugby Team while Ballymacash Primary School Girls’ Football Team took second and Laurelhill Community College U13 Girls’ Football Team third place.
John Kennedy from Lisburn Rugby Club 1st XV Women’s Team was honoured with the Sports Coach of the Year Award for his outstanding work as Head Coach. Second prize was awarded to Dawn Cromie from Kaleidoscope Gymnastics Club and third place went to Sean McCaffery from Carryduff Colts Inclusion Football Team.
The Merit Award was presented to individuals to recognise the essential and valuable service they provide to their clubs in the pursuit of success in their chosen sport. The Alison Slater Junior Merit Award was achieved by Mia Rooney from Lisburn Taekwondo Club.
The David Edwards Senior Merit Award was presented to Malachy Kearney from Phoenix Basketball Club, Adrian Williams of Lisburn Taekwondo Club, Jennifer McCormick from Lisburn City Archery Club and Sathish Kumar Manohar of Belfast Super Kings Cricket Club.
Jimmy Walker, Chair of Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh added his support for the event, “The Sports Awards is one of the highlights of the year for Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh as it gives us the opportunity to congratulate athletes, teams and coaches for their hard work and dedication in their chosen sport. We hope our nominees will inspire others to participate in sport and help develop sporting talent and healthier lifestyles in Lisburn & Castlereagh.”
Owen Drayne, Partner at Drayne’s Farm added, “We are always delighted to sponsor the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Sports Awards and every year the wealth of sporting talent of both local individuals and teams never fails to impress. As a long-established Lisburn business, Drayne’s Farm is embedded in the community, and it is a pleasure to be involved in recognising the dedication and commitment of all these local winners.”